Existentialism Is a Humanism is a piece of literature published in 1946 and produced by Jean-Paul Sartre, one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. It was based on his famous lecture given at Club Maintenant in Paris, on 29 October 1945.
This work popularized the phrase "existence precedes essence," present in his magnum opus, Being and Nothingness, published in 1943. The phrase in question exemplifies the main belief of Sartrean existentialism, that human beings exist in the world before having a defined meaning to their existence. Existentialism Is a Humanism is an attempt to translate these ideas to the general public, given the complexity of his previous works, and to defend his conception of existentialism from popular criticisms.
The lecture was one of the main factors that launched Sartre's career as a public intellectual and included his ideas in mainstream thought. Indeed, alongside Simone de Beauvoir and Michel Foucault, Sartre became one of the intellectual "celebrities" in the mid-to-late 20th century in France.
However, he even later admitted to regretting publishing his lecture, considering it a simplification of his thought that led to many misinterpretations of existentialism. However, Walter Kaufmann, a fellow philosopher, commented that it was "a brilliant lecture which bears the stamp of the moment."
"Existentialism Is a Humanism" stands as a pivotal piece of literature in the philosophical landscape of the 20th century, but its significance extends beyond the realm of academic discourse. Jean-Paul Sartre's decision to deliver a lecture on existentialism to a broader audience reflects a broader cultural and intellectual shift in post-World War II Europe.
In the aftermath of the war, Europe was grappling with the devastating consequences of the conflict, both physically and ideologically. Traditional institutions and belief systems were called into question, and existentialist philosophy emerged as a response to the existential crises facing humanity. Sartre's decision to popularize existentialist ideas through a public lecture reflects a broader desire to engage with the pressing questions of human existence in a rapidly changing world.
Moreover, Sartre's lecture at Club Maintenant in Paris was not only a philosophical statement but also a political act. As a committed existentialist and a prominent figure in French intellectual circles, Sartre sought to challenge prevailing ideologies and advocate for individual freedom and responsibility. By bringing existentialist ideas into the public sphere, Sartre aimed to empower individuals to confront the uncertainties of their existence and to assert their agency in shaping their lives.
The publication of "Existentialism Is a Humanism" marked a significant moment in Sartre's career, propelling him to the forefront of intellectual discourse and cementing his reputation as a leading thinker of his time. However, Sartre's later ambivalence towards the lecture underscores the complexities of his philosophical project. While he sought to make existentialism accessible to a wider audience, he also recognized the risk of oversimplification and misinterpretation.
Nevertheless, the enduring impact of "Existentialism Is a Humanism" lies in its ability to provoke thought and spark dialogue about the nature of human existence and the meaning of life. Despite its limitations, Sartre's lecture remains a testament to the enduring relevance of existentialist philosophy in an ever-changing world.
